Manor now ranks alongside a growing list of retailers and processing companies which in Europe, USA, Africa and Asia have already joined the project and had their products certified.
“Our suppliers already comply with the minimum size requirements and engage at protecting marine mammals and turtles from bycatch. But Manor wanted to go even further in its conservation efforts. This is why we joined the Friend of the Sea project.” affirms Mr Steiner, Purchase Director of Manor SA.
Manor's first step was to remove any seafood originated from species threatened in the wild off its shelves. This includes atlantic cod, haddock, halibut, bluefin tuna and atlantic salmon. Only species from Friend of the Sea certified aquaculture will now be available at Manor outlets. Bluefin tuna will be replaced by other tuna species, such as yellowfin.
Manor will gradually introduce seafood certified as sustainable by Friend of the Sea and aims to sell, only certified sustainable seafood, fresh or frozen, by the end of next year.
Products and their origins are assessed according to strict Friend of the Sea criteria and audited by independent third party certification bodies.
“Manor took a brave decision, which should be followed by the whole industry,” comments Paolo Bray, director of Friend of the Sea. It is confident that its customer will support its decision as most want to see pressure taken off over exploited resources and a reduction to sea-bed damaging trawled fishing activities.